The Sprout
The Newsletter for North Hinksey & Botley
Issue 182 November 2023
2
The Sprout
The Newsletter for North Hinksey & Botley
Directo rs: Jan et Bartlam, Judi Bo lder, John Clement s,
Michae l Cockman, Louise Kunz eman n, Ag Ma cKeith
Editor
Ag MacKeith
South View House, Old Botley, OX2 0JR Tel: 724452 Editor@TheSprout.org.uk
Advertising Manager
Michael Cockman
50, St Paul's Crescent OX2 9AG Tel: 07766 317691 Adverts@TheSprout.org.uk
Deliveries
Jan Shirley and Isabelle Hayes
9, Sweetmans Road OX2 9BA 07706 606719 Deliveries@TheSprout.org.uk
Copy Date: Copy by 15th of month preceding publication. Earlier submission is
welcome. Later contributions may have to be held over to the next issue.
Advertisements: If you have print-ready advertisements in the correct format the last
day for booking advertising is the 10th of the month preceding publication; in all other
circumstances more advance notice will be needed. For exact sizes, quality requirements,
advice on text and help with production, please contact the Advertising Manager.
Advertising rates:
Full page: 1 issue £112; 3 issues £270; 5 issues £392; 10 issues £728
½ page: 1 issue £56; 3 issues £135; 5 issues £196; 10 issues; £364
¼ page: 1 issue £28; 3 issues £67.50; 5 issues £98; 10 issues; £182
1/8 page: 1 issue £14; 3 issues £33.75; 5 issues £49; 10 issues; £91
Subscriptions: If you live outside North Hinksey Parish you can still receive The Sprout
on a regular basis. Just take out a postal subscription only £12 per annum, delivered to
your door. Contact: Janet Bartlam: 01865 453111.
Now also available online at https://archive.thesprout.org.uk/
Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information printed in this newsletter,
mistakes may happen. The Editor and Team apologize unreservedly for any errors that
may occur and will do their best to correct them. This publication is not a vehicle of the
parish council, and parish councillors working with the Sprout do so in a personal capacity.
Opinions expressed are the opinions of the individual contributors.
All concerned in the production and delivery of The Sprout are unpaid volunteers.
The Sprout is printed by The Holywell Press, and published by
North Hinksey Parish Publications Ltd, (a company limited by
guarantee) Registration No. 05609535.
3
The Sprout
Issue 182, November 2023
Contents
3 Report from Beaumont Elms
/ Tai Chi for Over 50s
5 Oxford Food Hub
7 District Cllr Report
9 Botley Energy Challenge
11 What Do You Think?
13 High Tide in Old Botley
17 Getting Ready for Winter
21 Crofts Court
23 PPG Realigned
25 Planning Apps
27 Botley Flyer
/ Kidical Mass
29 Randoms
35 General Organisations
From the Editor
Welcome to the November Sprout. The main news this month is from
Elms Road Surgery (pp 3 and 23). The changeover is complete, though
locums are still filling in for some doctors, and the PPG has reformed
itself in response to the new status quo. Crofts Court tenants’ co-
operative is up and running (p21), and the Food Hub is celebrating 15
years of useful work (p5). We have an update on conditions on our
patch from our indefatigable District Councillor, Debby Hallett (p7), and
a challenge from Sustainable Botley to get your home ready for winter
(p9). Another challenge (not to say bribe) is aimed at young people
locally (p11). We really want to know what you think about your
neighbourhood, so please give us the chance of contributing towards
your Christmas expenses! Recent events have included a critical mass
of children on bikes descending on the city, some of them from round
here (p 27), and a flood in Old Botley (p13). Signs of the times, both of
these! There have been changes to the Botley Flyer timetable (p27),
now reduced, but hopefully more reliable. Finally, you must be
wondering what those strange objects on the cover might be. They are
local you can see them any time you go past the Co-op but very
exotic! Turkish hazel nut cases!
Ag MacKeith
4
5
First Report from Beaumont Elms Practice
After a very busy period of preparation, the team from 19 Beaumont Street
were pleased to take over the provision of GP medical services at the former
Botley Medical Centre, now known as Elms Road Practice, from 1st October.
The 19 Beaumont Street team are providing services at both 19 Beaumont
Street and Elms Road and the organisation is known as Beaumont Elms
Practice.
The practice phone number is 01865 240501 and the website is
19beaumontstreet.com. Patients requiring a face-to-face appointment can
choose which of the sites they wish to be seen at. Mondays are always very
busy, both on the telephone and in person, so we would ask that if you have
a routine matter to discuss and you feel it can wait, please call later in the
week.
In due course all patients will be allocated a Usual GP’. This will aid
continuity of care, but patients are welcome to see whichever doctor they
choose and there is no obligation to see only the ‘usual GP’. However, due
to the delay in our new permanent doctors starting, this allocation cannot
take place until the second half of January. Until then care will be provided
by our current staff, and long-term locums who are in post until the
permanent doctors join us. Anyone developing a rapport with a specific
doctor between now and January is welcome to ask to be assigned to that
GP.
Dedicated covid and flu vaccine clinics are taking place. Invites are being
sent in order of decreasing age by SMS and email. If you have neither mobile
phone nor email, we will telephone your landline in due course, alternatively
feel free to call us, or come in to reception to book.
We are grateful for your understanding as we get up and running, no doubt
there will be some teething problems but we are confident that things will run
smoothly and we are very much looking forward to establishing a high-quality
patient-centred NHS primary care service at the Elms Road Practice.
Dr Jayne Haynes (GP) and Kate King (Practice Manager)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
TAI CHI QI GONG FOR THE OVER 50s
Mondays 10am 11.00am in SS Peter & Paul Church Hall.
Tai Chi Qi Gong is a gentle and relaxing way to improve flexibility and
balance. It can also reduce stress levels and lower blood pressure. Classes
in Botley are for anyone over 50 of any ability. You can join this friendly
group in the hall of St Peter & Paul’s at a cost of only £9 a session, payable
on the day.
6
7
Oxford Food Hub is 15!
The Oxford Food Hub, based in Curtis’s Yard, is celebrating its fifteenth
year serving the local community. Founders Robin Aiken and David
Cairns started collecting surplus food from one supermarket in a car and
taking it to five charities back in October 2008. Today, Oxford Food Hub
has two warehouses, six vans and 90 volunteers who collect and deliver
food to 200 charities and community groups across the county. In the last
year alone, they have saved 497 tonnes of food from landfill. This is
enough food to make more than a million meals.
The charity’s mission is both to reduce food waste and the associated
carbon emissions, but also to alleviate food poverty. The number of
charities registering to receive free food has increased from 150 to 200
this year as the cost-of-living crisis has pushed more of us into food
poverty.
An event for donors and supporters marking the 15-year anniversary of
Oxford Food Hub was attended by the Deputy Lieutenant, Lady Baker,
Layla Moran MP, and the Lord Mayor of Oxford. Speaking after the event,
Chief Executive Officer, Emily Smith, thanked local people for giving
money, surplus food, and volunteering their time to the Oxford Food Hub.
“What we have achieved over the past 15 years is incredible. Hard work
by volunteers, supported by a small
staff team and funding from
generous donors has enabled us to
support thousands of people
experiencing food poverty across
Oxfordshire.
“We have a challenging few years
ahead. The cost-of-living crisis is
hitting people from all walks of life
and across the county, so demand
for food support continues to rise.
At the same time, there is less
surplus food easily available to us.
I would hope 15 years from now
food poverty will no longer exist, but
for the time being, the work Oxford
Food Hub is doing to support the
charities on the front line, providing
8
food and other support across Oxfordshire, is crucial”.
9
District Councillor Report
Pedestrianisation of Church Way is probably the issue bringing the
most queries from residents. The lack of signage about the
pedestrianised zone, people driving through and parking in Church Way,
driving on pavements, removing the barriers so they can drive through,
and driver aggression towards pedestrians and employees of local
businesses are some of the problems encountered. We are trying to find
ways to keep this area safe for everyone.
Last year, we met Mace, Savills and council officers at the site to
discuss pedestrianising this area 24/7 (with movable barriers for
emergency services access) to help make this area feel open and
friendly. The retailers were consulted and supportive. We were told
quotes for barriers were being obtained. Then it all went quiet. Emily has
been working with the Botley and North Hinksey Parish Council chair to
try and get an update or a meeting about this with Mace for many months,
without getting a response. It is incredibly frustrating. We have launched
a petition to Mace/Botley Development Company and Savills to get these
bollards in place ASAP in the hope that so many supporters will help put
additional pressure on the site owners to act. See Emily’s FB page for
more info.
Network Rail Bridge Works: As you know, the Botley Road will not be
opening until the bridge works are complete, expected sometime in 2024.
This is clearly a blow for residents and businesses in our area. Emily
attended a briefing that Network Rail held an hour ahead of this news
being made public. Many questions were raised, but Emily made a point
10
of pushing for support for businesses outside the city up until now the
City
11
12
Council has been involved in planning for communication and support for
businesses, but not Vale’s Businesses service. But they are now. She
also raised the need for better communication with people in our ward
and for drop-ins to take place in Botley and Cumnor about the changes.
Additional bus services were requested as well. Our MP, Layla Moran,
has demanded that Network Rail hold updates in Botley, where it’s easier
for local residents to attend than in West Oxford Community Centre.
An Air Pollution Website has
been created by the County
Council and local District Councils
in partnership. It aims to integrate
relevant air quality information from
all district councils in Oxfordshire
on one single platform. It includes
the latest NO2 data from the
diffusion tubes in our area. See
more at oxonair.uk
Rats: Following reports of rats
under the A34 Bridge at West Way,
Emily worked with Vale officers to
clarify responsibility, which turns
out to be the landowner, National
Highways. Vale made them aware
of the issues. National Highways
have accepted responsibility and
wrote to say: “Once we’ve found the
nest or burrow [not far to look, see photo!], we will need to seek advice
from our Environmental Team on how we can humanely remove the rats
BOTLEY ENERGY CHALLENGE
Top actions you can take to save energy
Financial and practical advice
Book a home energy survey
Hot drinks and cakes
Free event, all welcome!
10.30-12.30, Saturday 11th November
Seacourt Hall, West Way Square
14
from the area. Please rest assured we are currently working on the rat
infestation and will take appropriate action where necessary. I hope this
information is helpful and thank you again for taking the time to contact
us. If you require any further information, please contact us via Highways
England Customer Contact Centre. They're available 24 hours a day by
phone: 0300 123 5000 or by email info@highwaysengland.co.uk
We are aware that people are still feeding the pigeons and therefore
the rats in this area. Again, this is a National Highways matter but if you
have any ideas about how to dissuade people from leaving food here, let
us know.
Debby Hallett
15
16
High Tide in Old Botley
Leaving work at 5:20pm on Friday the 13th October, it felt exciting to walk
out from the tranquil warm office into a gusty and rainy evening. A great
antidote to a long day in front
of the computer. I had been
somewhat aware that rain
had been falling steadily for a
few hours but that did not
prepare me for what I
encountered as I walked the
500 meters home.
By the time I reached the A34
flyover underpass it had
become apparent just how
much water must have come
down in the past few hours.
The sewer inspection
chamber at the intersection
with Westminster and West
Way was overwhelmed. The
cover was pushed up, and bobbing on the streams of gushing water. The
air was full of a ripe odour familiar to me from the last time I had to unblock
a sink. This is the site of the overflow valve that allows sewage to be
released into the Seacourt Stream.
A river accompanied me on the rest of my journey along West Way, all
the way down to MacDonald’s. I was pleased I had my umbrella with me,
not to protect me from the rain, but rather to hold at 90 degrees, and
shield me from the sheets of water that splashed up as the cars sped by
on their way out of town.
When I reached the corner of West Way and North Hinksey Lane I could
see where all that water was headed. In a downpour like this, the whole
of Elms Rise must drain into Old Botley, a cluster of houses behind
McDonalds that includes the one where we live. There is a natural dip
here, which was, by the time I arrived, already a small lake as deep as
my ankle boots. I had no choice but to wade through to get to the back
gate. To use the front door would have meant wading even deeper.
Thank goodness someone had had the good sense to move my car,
which is normally parked in the middle of what was now a knee-deep
lagoon.
17
18
Arriving home, I was greeted by wild eyed children, dripping and excited.
My partner and two friends were all frantically installing floodgates and
using towels and mops to absorb the seepage that was still trickling
through the sides and under the step at the front door.
Thames Water had provided us with a number of floodgates when the
house was flooded quite
badly in 2007. In the five
years that I have lived here
we have had to use one or
two in a sudden downpour,
but to stem the tide this time
all three had to be engaged
before we felt we had the
water under control. Thank
goodness someone had
been home, otherwise both
the car and the ground floor
of the house would have
been in a much worse state.
Everyone round here has
floodgates, and we mainly
managed to get them up in time to prevent the worst. But our neighbours
on the corner had an extra challenge. Every car that went past, even
those rare ones observing the 20mph speed limit, sent a fresh wave of
water sluicing over the threshold into their kitchen. And the friendly helper
wrestling the floodgate into position during the downpour was nearly run
over, as well as drenched. It was, as our four-year old triumphantly
declared, ‘a REAL EMERGENCY!’
By seven the rain was easing but the water was still rising, now a third of
the way up the floodgate. We wondered when it would stop. Out the back
we checked the water table by lifting the lid to a brick chamber set in the
lawn. The water table was still quite low, which was a relief, and proved
to us that all this water was just run off. I also went to check the small
stream just outside Wallbrook Court. It was raging and the culvert that
runs underneath North Hinksey Lane was at capacity.
At 7:30pm the rain stopped. We’d taken the time to wash off the stinky
water and all sat down to supper. By 8:30 the water was completely gone
all of it. All that was left was a thick dark brown muddy sludge.
Now that’s what I call a flash flood!
Jemima Puddleduck
19
20
Getting Ready for Winter
Botley Energy Challenge Seacourt Hall Saturday 11th November
Energy prices remain high, and prospects are uncertain in the context of
international conflict, a weak economy and high interest rates. All this
adds to the urgency of cutting gas use, nationally and in our homes, which
is a vital part of getting to net zero CO
2
emissions. The single most
important technical change needed is the switch from gas boilers to heat
pumps. At the same time, it is more important than ever to insulate our
homes.
Sustainable Botley is holding a public event in Seacourt Hall from
10.30am to 12.30pm on Saturday 11th November about actions you can
take to save energy, and the financial and practical help available.
There’ll be one-to-one advice, short talks and hot drinks and cakes!
Avoid problems with damp in your home
Many people are coping with the price squeeze by keeping the central
heating switched off until it’s really cold, and just heating one room. You
may be able to acclimatise to the cold, but in the long run damp and mould
will build up, especially at cold spots in your home, including timber
structures. I know this from experience, having had to get rid of mildewy
furniture, books and clothes, and to replace a roof riddled with
woodworm.
The best long-term solution is to insulate your home so it stays warm and
dry throughout with less heating. Loft and cavity wall insulation usually
pay for themselves in reduced fuel bills within a couple of years. Solid
wall insulation is more expensive and complicated, but if you can do it,
you’ll see immediate benefits in improved comfort and prevention of
moisture and mould.
Until recent changes to the government’s net zero strategy, rented
properties were expected to achieve an EPC “C” rating for new lets from
2025, provided the changes involved weren’t too expensive. That would
have meant that lofts and cavity walls should be insulated, but higher cost
measures like solid wall insulation weren’t required. If you’re a good
landlord you will want your tenants to live in a warm, healthy home, and
it is in your own interest to insulate because you’re less likely to have to
pay out for problems caused by damp.
Heat pumps are now cost-competitive with boilers
The other big policy change that affects home energy was the increase
in the Boiler Upgrade Scheme” grant to £7,500 for installing an air source
heat pump. This really does make a heat pump competitive with a boiler.
21
22
It will probably have about the same running costs but will generate much
lower CO
2
emissions and no local pollution.
Earlier this year Sustainable Botley published a report on the energy
savings possible in typical Botley homes, based on surveys and detailed
analysis of several local houses. It includes a myth-busting section on
heat pumps. Do take a look at sustainablebotley.uk
If you’d like an energy survey of your home, or need a new Energy
Performance Certificate to apply for a grant, please do get in touch with
me at laurie@livingwitness.org.uk.
Open Doors/Energy Saving Homes
If you’re wondering about making improvements to your home, it can be
really helpful to see energy-saving measures in different kinds of houses
and to ask homeowners and occupants about their experience of having
the work done, and of living in their renovated home. Energy Saving
Homes were part of the Oxford Open Doors event in September, but if
you missed that opportunity to visit, some of the homes will be open again
on the weekends of November 4th/5th and December 2nd/3rd. You can
find opening days and times on oxford.greenopenhomes.net. Some
householders ask you to book in advance.
Thermal Imaging
Infrared thermal imaging is a quick and easy way of seeing where energy
is leaking from a building. It reveals gaps in loft and wall insulation, cold
spots that might cause mould to form, and leaky spots where draughts
are getting in around doors and windows. If you’d like a thermal imaging
survey of your house this winter, please get in touch with me at
laurie@livingwitness.org.uk.
Laurie Michaelis, Sustainable Botley
VISIT AN ENERGY SAVING HOME
November 4th/5th and December 2nd/3rd.
Visit homes with heat pumps, extra insulation and other
energy saving measures
Talk to householders about their experience
Includes homes in Botley, Osney and around Oxford
Check at
oxford.greenopenhomes.net
for opening days and times.
Some householders ask you to book in advance
.
23
24
Crofts Court Co-op up and running
Oxfordshire Community Land Trust (OCLT) has now completed their first
development. It comprises eight one-and-two-bedroom apartments off
the Eynsham Road near Pinnocks Way They are genuinely affordable
homes for local people.
Following careful selection, the tenants have now moved in, and the
Tenant Co-op is slowly getting underway. All residents are members of
the Co-op and have agreed who will take on the roles of Chair, Secretary,
and Treasurer. Alice Hemming from Co-ops UK is providing support. The
next meeting is scheduled for early October.
The support of local people (some of you reading this), has been critical
to the success of OCLT. The share offer in November 2022 raised an
impressive £583,000, which means that 25% of the Crofts Court
apartments is directly financed by the community through the share offer.
Another 25% is mortgage, and almost 50% comes from generous grants
from Vale of White Horse District Council and Future Oxfordshire
Partnership.
With the opening of Crofts Court, OCLT has taken a significant step
towards creating affordable homes for local people. However, there is still
a long way to go, and OCLT needs to secure more land and homes to
build its portfolio of permanently affordable homes for Oxfordshire, in line
with its vision to create clusters of community-owned permanently
affordable homes in every village and neighbourhood across the county.
These homes would be for local people in housing need. The success of
Crofts Court and the share offer is all down to the hard work and
dedication of everyone involved, but it’s only a start.
If you’d like to see more Crofts Courts, there are several things that you
can do now:
Anyone can join OCLT for £1 (go to https://www.oclt.org.uk /support-
us/ )
If you are a local landowner or houseowner, you might be willing to
donate or sell us your asset off-market to build more permanently
affordable homes for the people of Oxfordshire. Get in touch with us
at http://info@oclt.org.uk
Or if you would like to help us by donating a regular amount to help us
do more of this work you can do it here:
https://app.donorfy.com/form/J7EEWBHW62/Q58RQ.
Amy Walters
25
26
PPG realigned for changed Medical Practices
The Botley and Kennington Patients Participation Group (PPG)
disbanded at the end of September 2023 following the takeover of the
respective practices by 19 Beaumont Street and The Manor Group,
Headington. The former PPG executive group (John Ashton chairman,
Jean Mulligan vice-chairman, Cathy Eaton treasurer, and Chris
Sugden secretary) have reformed as a Special Interest Group (SIG) at
the request of the new practices. Also part of the new SIG are Kate King,
the manager of 19 Beaumont Street and Emily Shipway, the manager of
The Manor Group, plus Andrew Wigmore, PPG chairman at 19 Beaumont
Street and Peter Coggins, chairman of The Manor Group PPG. The SIG
will remain in being for at least the first few months to aid the transition.
Members of the former PPG are invited to join the PPGs of their new
practices.
The SIG is delighted to be able to report many positive comments relating
to both Kennington Health Centre and the Beaumont Elms Practice,
which have been received on the former PPG Facebook page. This will
remain in being for the time the SIG exists. Here is a sample selection:
Have had reason to use them a lot this week. The Dr called
unannounced with a result and chatted about multiple problems and
made 2 referrals to other sections of the practice in less than 24 hrs
I’ve had call backs this week. Working well, thank you all.
I had to pop in today to sort out an issue with a missing hospital letter.
I received excellent service and my problem was resolved. I'm still in
shock that I saw an ACTUAL GP face to face. I've not seen one for
years!
We arrived at the clinic for an appointment with the doctor and well
what a great day it was to be welcomed by all of the staff and asked
if we would like to have our injection done!
My mum has been trying for the last 5 weeks to get an appointment,
went for her jab this morning, they phoned @3pm, appointment
made for Mon, phew, brilliant well done!
27
28
Meanwhile, a small leaving party was held for Dr Ballastero, who has now
left her former practice in Elms Road. It took place on 11th October
by kind invitation of Joy and Robin Wilson at their home.
Chris Sugden, Secretary
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
LOCAL PLANNING APPLICATIONS
P23/V2054/LDP
6 September
TDD: 1 Nov
P23/V2111/FUL
22 Sept
TDD: 17 Nov
P23/V2268/FUL
4 October
TDD: 29 Nov
P23/V2277/HH
6 October
TDD: 1 Dec
P23/V2243/LDE
11 October
Target
Decision Date:
6 December
29
30
Changes to Botley Road Flyer service
Take-up of the Flyer has been relatively sparse, and it has become so
difficult to stick to the schedule given the ongoing work at the Botley
Interchange that the service has been much reduced. From 23rd October,
there will be just the one bus a day, on Mondays, Wednesdays and
Fridays, leaving the West Oxford Community Centre at 10am, and
leaving Summertown for the journey home at 1pm. The County Council,
who fund this bus service, stress this is a trial arrangement only, so if
you’re not happy with it, let them know.
Timings will be as follows:
West Oxford Community Centre 10am pick up
Bus stop by Magenta self-storage 10.05am pick up
Bus stop next to Elms Parade shops 10.10am pick up
Please note the additional stop on Botley Road, and that the bus stop at
Elms Parade shops is now the collection point in Botley.
The journey into the city centre via Woodstock Road will include stops at
Summertown, Jericho, Beaumont Street and the Westgate Centre.
The return journey will start at 1pm from Summertown, with exact
timing of each stop depending on the number of passengers waiting. The
driver will make pick-up arrangements with individual passengers when
dropping them off.
Please call 01865 768329 in advance to book wheelchair space.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Kidical Mass
On a sunny afternoon this autumn, over 60 of us children with our adults
too met together in Broad Street in the city centre for the Kidical Mass
Bike Ride party! We had cycled from all different parts of Oxford
Summertown, Headington, Florence Park, and West Oxford. Cycling in
was great fun...
Then we started the Kidical Mass Parade. We all rang our bicycle bells
as loudly as we could. It made a lot of noise! It was nice to cycle together
in a big group with so many other children of all different ages, especially
as some of us even had the same bikes! We also stopped quite often so
that people could catch up and the grown-ups with the yellow jackets
could let the car drivers know that we were there. It made us feel older as
well to be cycling along proper roads in the city centre. Usually, it is not
safe for us to ride there because we are too small to be seen by people
driving, and we might get hit by a car. As told to Liz Sawyer
31
32
Randoms
Support Amnesty International’s Write for Rights 2023 Campaign
Every year, Janet Budd and Jane Buswell run a Write for Rights
campaign in December where they encourage us to write messages of
support to people around the world who have suffered injustice, and show
us how to support their campaigns for justice. They will have their
campaign table up at following church services: 3rd December, 10.30am
at St. Frideswide, Botley Road; 10th December, 9.30am at St. Peter and
St. Paul, West Way; and 17th December after the 6.00pm carol service
at St. Lawrence.
Cumnor Choral Society’s December Concert
Cumnor Choral Society will present their Advent Concert in St. Peter &
St. Paul Church at 7.30 on Saturday December 2nd. The programme will
include choral songs for Advent in the first half, and Haydn’s St. Nicholas
Mass in the second.
Tickets (including programme and after concert buffet) cost £12 or £15
on the door, and are available in advance from me at 07961 900670 or
cockman.caroline@gmail.com.
We welcome donations to help us continue. Please contact me if you
would like to donate.
Caroline Cockman
A service to remember
Those We Have Loved.
This memorial service to remember
people we have loved is to be held on
3rd December at 5.00pm at St Peter
and St Paul Church. Whether your
bereavement was recent or a long
time ago, this short service will give
you an opportunity to remember your
loved one and light a candle for them.
It has been arranged in association
with Oliver & James (formerly SR
Childs, Botley) Funeral Services
Information Classification: General
Remembrance events
in Botley
Commonwealth War Graves
North Hinksey Lane
10:45 am to 11:45am
Gates open 10:30am All welcome
Sunday 12
th
November
Service of Remembrance
Saturday 11
th
November
11am West Way Square
A bugler will play The Last Post and
we will observe a 2 minute silence
33
34
Botley Youth Club is Alive and Kicking!
Every Wednesday in term time Botley Youth Club offers a fun and safe
space for children age 1017 years. There is always fun and games, no
matter the weather! We really need Volunteers to keep the Club running
safely and to deliver activities that are fresh and engaging. Volunteers
are offered DBS checks and will join a welcoming and supportive team.
The team sets up from 6.30pm every Wednesday in term time at Louie
Memorial Pavilion, the session runs 7pm9pm. We would love you to
come and join us! email botleyyouthclub@gmail.com.
Dean Court Community Centre Quiz Night
Join us at 7pm for 7.30 pm on Friday 17 November for our Quiz Night!
Teams of up to 6, individuals welcome to join a team. £5 per person in
advance, £6 on the door you can buy tickets online via
deancourtcc.org.uk, or call 01865 236160 and leave a number to call
back. Free tea and coffee will be available in the break, but you are also
welcome to bring your own drinks and snacks!
Fundraiser for HOEG
A large range of good quality second-hand clothes (children's, women's
and men's) are available at bargain prices from Josie Webber
(josieawebber@yahoo.com) in North Hinksey Village. They are being
sold in aid of the legal costs which will
be incurred at the Public Enquiry by
those seeking to improve the Oxford
Flood Scheme by advocating better
alternatives to the channel.
Chris Sugden
WI Report
We have recently enjoyed a bingo
evening with autumn puddings
scrumptious good fun. We had an
interesting talk about keeping
Alpacas and using their wool for
felting, which we can try ourselves in
a workshop in November. Our craft
store will be outside the Seacourt
Bridge pub on Saturday 11th
November from 10am to 12.30pm. In
November we welcome our speaker
35
36
talking about the Mitfords in Oxfordshire. We have been delighted to
welcome several new members in our meetings and would be happy to
welcome more. These are always held on the first Tuesday of the month.
Watch out for our Christmas Fair on Saturday 25th November from 11
2.30pm, held in our own WI building on North Hinksey Lane. There will
be homemade refreshments, which you can also buy to take home, plus
many items of Christmas Presents. There are games and competitions
for all the family with lovely prizes to win. If you would like a stall, please
contact me on 01865 722998 very soon to secure a place. We hope to
see lots of you there. Bess Harris
Botley Library in November
Our regular events continue:
Lego Club on Tuesdays at 15.30
Adult Craft Club on Thursdays at 14.00
Rhymetime for Under-Fives on Fridays at 10.00
Scrabble on demand, Fridays at 4
County Councillor Judy Roberts will be holding her surgery on Saturday
4th November from 10 to 12pm. And on the same afternoon at 2pm, local
author Simon Mason will be interviewed by Ruth Cameron, with an
opportunity to buy signed copies of his books.
37
38
Organizations: If your organization is not listed here, please send details
to editor@thesprout.org.uk or telephone 724452 for inclusion.
1st Botley Brownies
Girls aged 710
Dean Court Community Centre Thur 67.30 Jean
Metson, firstbotleybrownies@gmail.com
2nd Botley Brownies
Girls aged 710
Rosary Room, Yarnells Hill. Tues 6:15-7:45 Alison
Griffin 2ndbotleybrownies@outlook.com
4th Oxford Scout Group Cubs
Beavers, Scouts, Explorers
mail@thefourth.org.uk Meets every weekday
evening. Website: http://www.thefourth.org.uk/
15th Oxford Scout Group
Boys and girls welcome
Fridays, Cubs 6.30-8, Scouts 8-9.30, Pavilion, Fogwell Rd.
Amy Cusden (Cubs) 07887 654386, Tom Freeman (Scouts)
07837 623768 xvoxfordscouts@yahoo.co.uk
Baby & Toddler Group
Tues/Thurs 9.15–11, SS Peter & Paul Church Hall
BikeSafe. B4044 community
path campaign
Wants to connect Botley to Eynsham. Meets every 6-8
weeks. Contact via website B4044path.org
Books on Wheels R.V.S.
Free Library Service for housebound Ox. 810159
Botley Boys & Girls F.C.
Football teams from ages 8-16
Terri Matthews: clubsecretarybbgfc@gmail.com
Botley Bridges (for under 5s)
Mondays, 9-11, Stay & Play Botley School, and Fridays
10-12,Baby Group at Seacourt Hall botleybridges.org
Botley Community Larder
Thursdays, 3.30 to 5.30 at St P&P Church Hall, West
Way, Facebook or email botleylarder@gmail.com
Botley and Kennington
Patients Participation Group
Second Tuesday in the month, early evening.
Contact csugden@ocrpl.org
Botley Health Walks
2nd & 4th Sats 9.50 Louie Memorial Field car park, or
Tues 11 am Library botleyhealthroutes@gmail.com
Botley Library
07922 849680. Open till 7 on Friday and 1pm on Sat,
otherwise 9.30 to 5.30 (closed Wednesdays).
Botley Memory Lane Café
Thursdays 10-12 Seacourt Hall Lounge, Diccon James
07740 611971
Botley Seniors Lunch Club
Alternate Thursdays. Seacourt Hall. Jackie Warner
Ox.721386
Botley Youth Club
Weds 7pm-9pm in term time. Louie Memorial Pavilion.
botleyyouthclub@gmail.com
Cumnor Choral Society
Thursdays, 19.30-21.30 St Andrew’s Ch. Steve Morris,
chair. www.cumnorchoralsociety.wordpress.com
Cumnor Chess Club
Thurs 79pm Cumnor Old School. Steven Bennett
01993 684494 www.cumnorchessclub.co.uk
Cumnor & District
Historical Society
Last Monday of the month 7.30-9.00 Cumnor Old
School. 01865 724808
Cumnor Gardening Club
http://cumnorgardens.org.uk/ tel 01865 721026
Harmony InSpires, Ladies'
Acappella Singing Group
Wed 7.30 at Appleton Village Hall. C. Casson 01235
831352 or harmonyinspires@hotmail.co.uk
39
Hill End Volunteer Team
Contact: David Millin on david.millin@hill-end.org,
call 863510 or visit www.hillend-oec.co.uk
Lawn Tennis Club
Family club Email: Tennis@OxfordSportsLTC.org
07824 881680 www.oxfordsportsltc.org
Morris Dancing Cry Havoc
Barbara Brett 249599 or bag@cryhavoc.org.uk
North Hinksey Preschool
and Childcare clubs
MonFri 7.45am6.00 pm. Tel 794287 or email
nhps.manager1@gmail.com
N Hinksey Art Group
Weds 10–12.00 W.I. Hall Christina 07931 707997
N Hinksey Bellringers
Contact: Ray Rook 01865 241451
N Hinksey Conservation
Volunteers
Meets at weekends Contact Voirrey Carr 07798
743121 voirreyc@aol.com
N Hinksey, Friends of
Annual Cricket Match/ Walk. Douglas Bond 791213.
N Hinksey Parish Council
clerk@northhinksey-pc.gov.uk
Oxford Flower Arranging
4th Thursday Cumnor. Dympna Walker: Ox 865259
Oxford Harmony
Wednesdays 7.30 9.30 pm at Seacourt Hall
Contact pro@oxfordharmony.co.uk
Oxford Otters
Swimming for people with disabilities. Sundays,
twice monthly. Contact: Alan Cusden 723420
Oxford Rugby Club
Boys and girls from 5, kevin.honner@ntlworld.com
Seniors, training etc jbrodley@chandlings.org.uk.
Raleigh Park, Friends of
Email: raleighpark@raleighpark.org.uk
Seacourt Hall Management
Committee
Contact Lottie White, 07452 960100, or see
https://www.seacourthall.org.uk
Shotokan Karate Club
6+ WOCC twice weekly Martyn King 07836 646450
Stagecoach Botley
Botley School, Saturdays 9:00am3pm Performing
Arts for 4-16 yr-olds 01865 590510 or 01235 390810
West Oxford Bowls Club
Dave Ellerker 07931 603801
wobc.membership@gmail.com
West Oxford Taekwon Do
Club
Mon, Thurs 6.30-8pm, MA gym, contact Chris Hall
01865 570291 www.wotkd.co.uk
West Oxford U3A
(Uni of the 3rd Age)
http://westoxfordu3a.org.uk/
Women’s Institute (Botley)
Alison Jenner 07598 251161
alisonjenner@yahoo.com
Weight Watchers
Thursdays 6pm at SS Peter & Paul Church Hall
Banso tel: 07779 253899 bansob@aol.com
40
Botley Baptist Church,
I Church Way
Contact: Building Manager 07742
662668 botleybaptist@gmail.com
The Rosary Room
Ya rn ell s H ill , Elm s Ris e
Contact: Maria Brown,
Tel : 018 6 5 24 7 98 6.
SS Peter & Paul Church
Ha l l , We st Wa y, Bo tle y
Contact: 01865 242057 or
osneybenefice@outlook.com.
Wo m e n' s I nst i tu te Ha l l,
North Hinksey Lane
Contact: Val Warner
Tel . 018 6 5 24 5 27 3
Seacourt Hall,
3 Church Way
Contact: Lottie White on 07452 960100,
or email admin@seacourthall.org.uk
Pavilion, Arnold’s Way,
Elms Rise, Botley
Contact: Darren Blase 241254
louiememorialpavilion@gmail.com
Ox f o rd Ru g b y Clu b ,
North Hinksey Village
Contact: Mary Bagnall
mary.bagnall1@btinternet.com.
North Hinksey & Botley Churches
Times of Ser vices (once r esumed) and C ontacts
St . Law rence , C h u rch of Eng l and, Nort h Hin k sey Lane
1st, 2nd, 4
th
, 5
th
Sunday 11 .30a m Holy Communion
3r d Sund a y 11 . 30am Mat in s
St. Peter and St. Paul, Church of England, Wes t Wa y
Sundays 9.30am Holy Communion
Wednesdays 10.30am Holy Communion at Field House, West Way
Rev Clare Sykes, Tel. 01865 242345 or r evc lar e@ b t i nt er net . c o m
See table above for Church Hall enquiries.
Ou r La d y of t he Rosar y, Rom a n Ca thol ic , Ya rne l l s H i ll
Sa tur da y 6. 3 0p m Ma s s
Su nd ay 9 .15 am M as s
Fr Da nie l Lloy d 075 8 4 32391 5 dlloyd@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk.
Bo t l e y Ba pt is t Chu r ch, 1 Church Way
Su nd ay Ser vi c e 11 am
Wedn e sday Zoom Bib le St u dy 7. 3 0pm
Ch oir pr act ic e Thu r sday 2pm
Dia n e Me l c he rt 0 77 42 6626 6 8 ww w.bot leyb a pt ist chur c h. org
Ca lvar y Chapel
Su nd ay se r vices on 1s t Flo o r, 1 Chur ch Way at 9.3 0 am wit h
cr è ch e, c hild r ens Su n da y sch o ol and yout h gr ou p
Pa st or St eve Vicker y 018 6 5 586332
contact@ccox.church website: www. c cox f or d.c h u rch
41
Whats On
November
Wed 1st 11am, Dean Court Community Centre, during the
community café, AgeUK short talk about benefits
4th/5th Green Open Homes around Oxford
Sat 11th 11am, West Way Centre, moment of silence
Sat 11th 1012.30pm, outside Seacourt Bridge, WI Craft Stall
Sat 11th 10.3012.30 Seacourt Hall, Botley Energy Challenge
Sat 11th Hill End Camp, Remembrance Day tour of WWI
Practice Trenches
Wed 8th from 10.30, DCCC, Community Coffee with AgeUk
talk on benefits for the elderly at 11.
Sun 12th 10.45am, Botley War Graves, Remembrance Service
Mon 13th 2.30pm, Dean Court Community Centre, U3A talk:
Robert Oram, Air Ambulance Service
Thur 16th 7.30pm, Seacourt Hall, Parish Council Meeting
Fri 17th 7pm for 7.30, Dean Court CC, Quiz night
Sun 19th 2.304.30, DCCC, Community Tea
Sat 25th 112.30pm, WI Hall, NHL, Christmas Fair
Mon 27th 2.30pm, Dean Court Community Centre, U3A talk:
Mark Davies: 400 years of the Botanic Garden:
notable keepers, visitors and events
Sat 2nd December, 1012, Botley Baptist Church, Christmas Fair
2/3rd December, More Green Open Homes